Educational Programs
The Golden Thread Initiative’s mission includes funding Consciousness-based Education programs for women and girls around the world. We support education that allows a student to awaken the full potential of her creativity, intelligence, resiliency and happiness while simultaneously earning an academic degree or certificate.
When women and girls have access to effective education and self-development opportunities, the long-term ripple effects transform their own lives as well as the lives of their family and community.
GTI funds programs with measurable outcomes that are operated by independent non-profit organizations based in the U.S. and internationally. Programs range from academic degrees to enrichment and continuing education courses in partnership with the Mother Divine Program.
Grants awarded by GTI to date include the following:
Academic programs in Asia
Rajapark Institute:
Rajapark Institute is an accredited institution of higher learning in Bangkok, Thailand which offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Science of Creative Intelligence for Management (International Program). This degree focuses on the development of human potential and the underlying principles of knowledge in the fields of education, economy, agriculture, health, defense, art, physics and architecture. Students learn how to apply these principles in their own lives and for the benefit of society.
While enrolled in the BA program, female students participate in the Asian Mother Divine program, which is a professional peace-creating group for women. The focus of this program is the research and development of advanced levels of human consciousness, and creating coherence and total brain functioning, the foundation for world peace. Women living and studying at the Mother Divine campus in Chanthaburi, Thailand enjoy a safe, blissful and nourishing environment where they are free to explore the full capacity of their potential.
Thai School for Girls
Dhammajarinee Witthaya School (DWS) is the first and only free boarding school for girls in Thailand, administered by Buddhist nuns. DWS has provided a safe home and quality education, kindergarten to grade 12, for thousands of underserved girls in Thailand—helping break the cycle of poverty and a lack of opportunity.
Since 1993 more than 4,000 girls have come to DWS and received for free: a safe home, quality K-12 education, skills training, food, clothing, and medical care. Although many girls come from troubled and impoverished backgrounds, within a short time they are winning awards.
Enrichment Courses & Continuing Education
GTI has also funded a variety of non-academic programs that transform the lives of women and girls. These include:
- helping women to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique and advanced techniques
- short and long-term self-development courses
- professional development including Transcendental Meditation teacher training.